Overview
This course is designed for students interested in developing skills and knowledge in order to operate safely and effectively in the sport and active leisure industry in a coaching role. Coaching as a discipline is evolving rapidly, with the prospect of registration following the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) model, and the aspiration of coaching becoming a licensed profession (National Coaching Foundation 2008). As such any programme of study must be responsive and flexible and as current as possible, encouraging a culture of reflection and continuous professional development in students.
Successful students can progress to various destinations:
- BA(Hons) Professional Studies at UCS BSE. FdSc Sport, Health and Exercise students have successfully utilised this Level 6 route that provides Honours progression for FD graduates in any discipline.
- Access to the Suffolk and Norfolk Initial Teacher Training or Graduate Teacher Training programmes is likely to be a popular route for students whose aspiration is Physical Education teaching
- Progression to a level 6 honours progression route in sports coaching and development at other HEIs subject to the entrance qualifications of individual institutions.
Content and Modules
First year modules include: Anatomy and Physiology for Sport, Health and Exercise, Introduction to Sports Development, Social and Psychological Perspectives in Sport, Health and Exercise Industry, Introduction to the Principles of Coaching, Personal Development, Work Experience as a Resourcing for Learning 1.
Second year modules include: Contemporary Issues in a Modern Sporting Environment, Sport Development and Community, Performance analysis and Improvement, Advanced Coaching, Skills in Research and Problem Solving, Work Experience as a Resource for Learning 2.
Work-based learning is integral to the course and students are expected to be working in some form of coaching capacity or undertake a work-placement whilst studying.
Students are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including written and practical examinations, reflective journals, essays, projects and individual and group presentations. Assessment of coursework, including practical projects and academic assignments takes place at the end of each semester.
Further Information
The unprecedented success of the British Olympic team in Beijing 2008, the staging of the Olympics in London 2012, and the development of sport by local authorities as an antidote to youth disaffection have all increased the demand for coaching and developmental skills.
Opportunities currently exist to coach within the community as an independent or Local Authority coach, within the school environment or at a local club.
Graduates can progress to the final year of BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at UCS.
What is included in your tuition fees
At UCS your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with your course that you will need to budget for.
Please note, UCS reserves the right to change this information as and when required.